President Yadav observes Rato Machhindranath 'Bhoto Jatra'

President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav observed the traditional 'Bhoto Jatra' of Rato Machhindranath, the Buddhist deity of rain, at Jawalakhel in Lalitpur Saturday evening.

President Dr Ram Baran Yadav (3rd from left) receives guard of honour from Nepal Army at the function. Also seen in the picture are...

The President arrived at the function at around 5pm and stayed there for around half an hour. Nepal Army gave him guard of honour as he arrived at the venue.

This was his maiden official public appearance since he assumed office as the first president of republican Nepal.

Thousands of ordinary people had thronged to Jawalkhel to witness the Bhoto Jatra.

Vice President Parmananda Jha, who courted controversy by taking oath of office in Hindi language, appeared at the chariot function in official dress, Daura-Suruwal.

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Chief Justice Kedar Prasad Giri, ministers and senior government officials were also present on the occasion.

Prime Minister Koirala had observed last year's Bhoto Jatra which in previous years would be observed by the King.

The Bhoto Jatra marks the end of the chariot procession of the rain God, which continues for several weeks around different parts of Kathmandu and Lalitpur. nepalnews.com July 26 08